Cable in Plastic trunking

[trev]

Well I would generally, well not insist they put them at the new height, but strongly encourage them to come into line. I do believe its only guidance when considering a rewire though.
That's how I was trying to phrase it, but in reality there's not a chance I would put the sockets back on the skirting, its just a nonsense.

It is only guidance on a rewire mate, now of course we're none of us going to put sockets where flexes can be stressed and there's actually nothing wrong with putting them at 450. I think it looks ok but if the homeowner wants them somewhere else then all we can do is advise.

 

[Gavin A]

Agreed, but installing the sockets on top of a skirting board on a surface box ( at a height of no worse than the original installation) I would say has covered this.

Not according to the part p document. The bit you're working on has to be to current part P and BS7671 standards, the rest of the installation can be left no worse than you found it - ie you don't need to upgrade the rest of the installation, but do need to ensure your work complies with current regulations.

 

[Guest125]

"Approved document M recommends that in new dwellings only switches and socket outlets for lighting and other equipment should be between 450 and 1200 mm from finished floor level"
Straight from approved doc P mate.

Part M or Part P??

 

[trev]

Part M or Part P??

Yes, part P quotes from part M because all the various parts of the building regs are interrelated. It's not just part p that the domestic lads have to comply with.

 

[Gavin A]

"Approved document M recommends that in new dwellings only switches and socket outlets for lighting and other equipment should be between 450 and 1200 mm from finished floor level"
Straight from approved doc P mate.

so it does.

so the bit about having to apply the current regs to your work doesn't apply to this regulation. Confusing.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Part M of the building regs (access and use of a building) states that the building must not be more unsatisfactory in relation to the requirements than before the work was carried out. Regulation 553.1.6 requires that a socket-outlet is at sufficient height above the floor or any working surface to minimise the risk of mechanical damage to the socket-outlet or to a plug and associated flexible cord during use, insertion or withdrawal of the plug.

 

[trev]

so it does.

so the bit about having to apply the current regs to your work doesn't apply to this regulation. Confusing.

What is part M about?
If none of the requirements of it apply to a situation you are in then why do the wishes of the home owner not trump it?
It says there very clearly "in new dwellings only" there's nothing confusing about it mate.

 

[uksparks]

its all a bit confusing and contradicting and there's no way I am stretching up to my shelf to look at the book at this house, I am only in here because the mother in law is staying with us until Tuesday.

 

[uksparks]

Right I'm off to bed, the TV has gone off! Night all.

 

[trev]

Regulation 553.1.6 requires that a socket-outlet is at sufficient height above the floor or any working surface to minimise the risk of mechanical damage to the socket-outlet or to a plug and the associated flexible cord during use, insertion or withdrawal of the plug.

Thanks Lee
Where is the mention of 450 UKESRail?

 

[andyelectric]

Trev is definitely correct here. Read Part M.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Is he for real? Or is this Paul M all over again lol

 

[trev]

Is he for real? Or is this Paul M all over again lol

I think he is, a lot of people get the interpretation of the regs wrong. No harm done, was a canny little debate

 

[andyelectric]

Is he for real? Or is this Paul M all over again lol

Exactly what I've been saying.

 

[davesparks]

Yes really. The problem is people like to pick and choose the regs they follow. This is not only a elec reg but a building reg also. I know it is never followed domestically this is why the domestic sparks out there are not thought of to well in the commercial world. It is as clear as daybthat if you put socket outbof that range you are not installing to the regs. Agreed? If you disagree please quote a reg to me.

There is no electrical regulation setting the height of sockets etc, only a reference to the building regulations which set those heights for new-builds only

 

[Gavin A]

What is part M about?
If none of the requirements of it apply to a situation you are in then why do the wishes of the home owner not trump it?
It says there very clearly "in new dwellings only" there's nothing confusing about it mate.

I'd remembered the first bit as a general principle, not that the section on access went against that general principle.

Had I thought about it a little more I'd have realised that we've never concerned ourselves with that regulation in retrofit situations, so there would hopefully be a reason for that.

It does make sense now I've thought about it.

 

[guest119]

We dont have part pi5h up here in Scotlanshire but I am familiar with 450-1200 heights being in accordance with DDA.

 

[uksparks]

Talking of regs, where's the best place to get the new one from?

 

[Risteard]

Talking of regs, where's the best place to get the new one from?

I buy from the IET, but as a member there is a discount. So not sure where the cheapest is otherwise (although be careful not to purchase a counterfeit copy!).

 

[uksparks]

I'll look on amazon sold by the iet or maybe the niceic website. Thanks